er all, we can fight it out some other day, if you
like."

More kicks from Roger. No other answer. So Oliver and Ailwin tied his
arms and legs with the cord; and then Ailwin proceeded to milk the cow,
and Oliver, after washing his face, to give the pony some more hay, and
see how the little pigs went on. The animals were all drooping, and
especially the cow. Oliver wished to have given the pigs some of her
milk, as the poor sow seemed weak and ill; but the cow gave so very
little milk this afternoon, that there was none to spare. Her legs
trembled as she stood to be milked; and she lay down again, as soon as
Ailwin had done.

"The poor thing ain't long for this world," said Ailwin. "Depend upon
it that boy has bewitched her. I don't believe she trembles in that way
when he is on the other side of the water."

"You will see that in the morning," said Oliver. "Shall we take him on
the raft now? I don't like to carry him tied so, for fear he should
throw himself about, and roll over into the water. He would certainly
be drowned."

"Leave that to him, Oliver: and take my word for it, that boy was never
made to be drowned."

"You thought the same about Stephen, you know; and he is drowned, I am
afraid."

"Neither you nor I know that. I will believe it when I see it," said
Ailwin with a wise look.

It was now Roger's mood to lie like one dead. He did not move a muscle
when he was lifted, and laid on the raft. Ailwin was so delighted to
see the boy she was so afraid of thus humbled, that she could hot help
giving his face a splash and rub with the muddy water of the stream as
he lay.

"Ailwin, for shame!" cried Oliver. "I will fight you next, if you do
so. You know you durst not, if his hands were free."

"To be sure, Oliver, that is the very reason. One must take one's
revenge while one can. However, I wont notice him any more till you
do."

"Cannot you set down your pail, and help me to row?" asked Oliver. He
was quite tired. The raft was heavy now; his nose had not left off
bleeding, and his head ached sadly. Three pulls from Ailwin brought
them nearer home than all Oliver's previous efforts. He observed that
they must get round the house, if possible, and into the stream which
ran through the garden, so as to land Roger on the Red-hill.

There was not much difficulty in getting round, as everything like a
fence had long been swept away. As they passed near the entrance-door
to the gard